Judith Ann "Judy" Winter

Judith (Judy) Ann Winter, 80, passed away on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 10:25 a.m. at Lima Memorial Health System with her family at her side. She was born on November 23, 1943, in Lima, Ohio, to Carl and Vera (Miars) Kies, who are deceased. Judy was baptized at Grace Lutheran Church in Jackson Center, but in 1950 moved to Wapakoneta where she was confirmed at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and remained a lifelong member. On July 18, 1981, she married Willie Winter at St. Marks. They welcomed their son, Brian, two years later. Judy graduated from Bowling Green State University and then attended Ohio State University (OSU), where she obtained her master’s in education. Judy remained in Columbus and worked with the Mershon Center of OSU for 16 years in their Citizenship Development Program. After marrying Willie, Judy began a new career working for the Honda Family Center teaching English as a second language to Wapakoneta’s resident Japanese women and children. In 1993, Judy began teaching in the Wapakoneta school district where she would go on to enlighten and challenge students in English, History, and Psychology at Wapakoneta High School for 16 years. In retirement she relished utilizing her talents to provide leadership and support at church, while volunteering in the community in a support role at the Wapakoneta Area Economic Development Council. Judy found joy in God’s gifts to her of family, special friends, the arts, nature’s beauty and interesting conversation. Survivors include her husband, Willie Winter of Wapakoneta, Ohio; son, Brian (Kristen) Winter of Plain City, Ohio; a sister, Marilyn (Tom) Wills of Wapakoneta, Ohio; a brother, John (Bev) Kies of Asheville, North Carolina; and sister-in-law, Marlene Nelson. Judy is also survived by five nieces and three nephews: Sarah (Jeremy) Clayton, Adrienne Kies, Kristen (Gerard) Thorez, Stephanie (Andrew) Owen, Kay (Jeff) Dorner, Craig (Linda) Brown, Dan (Valerie) Wills, Steve (Ali) Wills, and many other cousins and relatives. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 2, 2024, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 302 E. Pearl St., Wapakoneta, with Pastor Doug Pretorius officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 1st, at Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, State Route 501, Wapakoneta, and 1 hour prior to the service, Saturday, at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 302 E Pearl St., Wapakoneta, Ohio 45895. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

Judith Ann "Judy" Winter

November 24, 1943 - February 23, 2024